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Fitchburg mayor could seek state office; but Wong committed to re-election bid

By Alana Melanson, amelanson@sentinelandenterprise.com

Updated:
01/27/2013 06:37:49 AM EST

FITCHBURG -- Mayor Lisa Wong insists she is solely focused on running the city and seeking a fourth term in office, but political observers looking beyond 2013 see her possibly playing a role in next year's state election.

"She is one of several bright, rising faces in the Democratic Party that people expect to see run for higher office someday, perhaps sooner rather than later," Democratic strategist Mary Anne Marsh said on Friday.

A host of statewide positions could be open next year.

Gov. Deval Patrick is not running for re-election, and Lt. Gov. Tim Murray recently announced he will not seek to replace his current boss. Treasurer Steve Grossman appears to be leaning toward a gubernatorial run, which could leave his current job up for grabs.

Although Attorney General Martha Coakley has said she remains focused on her current position, many wonder if she will run for governor.

"There's lots of movement," said Peter Ubertaccio, a political science professor and director of the Martin Institute at Stonehill College. "Many of these offices will have crowded primaries, and people with strong support in a particular region could do well to harness political support and work outwardly from it."

Wong's profile is increasing. She is regularly hired for speaking engagements throughout the country. She is a familiar face at the State House, where she advocates for funding and policies that benefit the city and region.

Earlier this month, Wong spoke at the U.S.

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Conference of Mayors in Washington, DC. She will be traveling to the nation's capital once again this week to speak at a conference about major issues cities will be facing this year.

Wong is not ruling out a bid for higher office.

"I'm only 33, so there's a long way to go in my career in general," she said. "My work is far, far from over in terms of my vision for the city."

Wong said she is flattered by the attention she is receiving. She believes it is the result of her commitment to collaboration and her willingness to make tough decisions, such as turning off streetlights to save money.

If re-elected to a fourth term this year, Wong said her top priority will be education. She is also working on a five-year plan for the city, as well as a strategy to put surplus city-owned property into the hands of private developers.

Wong does have reservations about leaving the mayor's office. She said other mayors who have moved onto higher positions have told her that being mayor was the best job they ever had.

"Growing up with Asian heritage, we were not taught to climb ladders -- we were taught to fill in a circle," Wong said. "So if you look at life like a circle, then it can be much more expansive. There's much more area in a circle than there is in a straight line, especially if that straight line is only pointed up. A lot of folks think that you need to make more money, or have a bigger title, to be able to feel like you are progressing in your career. I was always taught that you need to do more that fills you, and everything else around you."

Wong and other mayors who have made names for themselves beyond their city borders could perform well in a run for higher office, according to Ubertaccio.

As Wong is still fairly young, Ubertaccio said a position like state treasurer could help her become better versed in statewide politics and policy making. She could use this experience as a springboard for future political aspirations, Ubertaccio said.

The way Marsh sees it, mayors, being city executives, are more inclined to try to run for offices that are executive-based. While lieutenant governor is appealing for many as a stepping stone, historically, it has not been one, she said.

"After having a political near-death experience in her last campaign, she came back with a big win," Marsh said, of Wong. "She's got a good turnaround story to tell in terms of what she's been able to do in Fitchburg thus far."

Marsh also noted that there is a recent tendency for Massachusetts voters to choose fresh faces. She pointed to the election of Patrick in 2006, former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in 2010, and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren in November.

"Voters have a real appetite these days to vote not for the well-known, long-serving incumbent," Marsh said.

Wong is among a group of rising female politicians who could emerge from cities onto the statewide political stage. Other names often mentioned are Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll and Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley.

"They're all fairly young but all have had pretty decent and extensive experience, and they're going to outgrow their offices and be looking for a larger place in which to make their mark in politics and public policy," said Marsh. "I suspect each one of them will be going for higher office at some point."

Driscoll, who is president of the Massachusetts Mayors' Association, is often asked whether she will run for governor.

"It seems early to me. Certainly, the lieutenant governor dropping out has livened the discussion. I'm right now really focused on running for mayor," Driscoll told the State House News Service on Friday.

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